HaPpY NeW YeAr!

  I am THRILLED to say GOODBYE to the year 2012. Although, I have made many happy memories and learned several valuable lessons I am holding on to the hope that 2013 will be better for me, and for my little family. At the least I pray it will not be worse, because I KNOW that no matter what your struggles are they can always be worse.

   January 4th, 2012 there was a shooting in Ogden, leaving several officers injured, and one lost his life. People were changed. Lives were changed. The community rallied together and the support was incredible. I know that the support helped all of them involved, but nothing will ever bring Jared back. Nothing will erase those images from those officers minds. My prayer for them and their families is that they are stronger and wiser because of it. That it is easier to keep their priorities straight, and that they will return safely to their families after every shift. Erin and her girls are in my nightly prayers, and I hope that they can still feel the love and support of the community, family, and friends. My hope for them is that the year 2013 will be incredible! There have been so many other shootings, all across the states. I can't imagine being so broken that killing others would even be thought of. So many lives have been affected by these selfish acts. The world is becoming scary. I try to focus on all the positives and good people. We must rally together. We must be strong in numbers. We must not let these people continue to do these horrible acts. In 2013 my hope and prayer is that the good people will be armed when going out, and be able to keep themselves (and others) safe. I pray for stricter laws, and for RESPECT for the officers working the beat so we can be safe.

  We also got the cancer diagnosis this year. It has brought so many good and bad experiences. You almost hate to wish it away because of all the good that has came from it, but I would. I would take this away from my hub in a second if I could. It has been hard. Although, I love the attitude and faith that we have. I can't imagine going through this experience without believing in Heavenly Father, without having hope and faith, and without having such a wonderful support group. We can do hard things, even if we don't want to.

  In 2012 my boys got to go See the Seattle Seahawk Football team play. We went to an amazing cabin, had a fun Wendover trip with my mom, was able to see my BFF/SIL more this year than I have in years! We also got to see Ann (SIL) and her entire family for Christmas. Mike and Kori moved back, Rich got a bunch of sport team gifts, we got a game room, Keaton got a job, Averi turned double digits, painting can be my therapy, so both kids got painted rooms and so did my kitchen. Averi and I went to Carrie Underwood. All the cousins went to the zoo! Met many wonderful nurses at Huntsman. My dad, Averi, and Brilee all ran a 5k together! We had a HUGE party/fundraiser in honor of my hub, we got an adorable lab puppy, but we also lost a guinea pig, cat, and Bo, our family dog. He was part human. We miss them all.  This year came with many ups and downs. We have bruises. But we have found so much strength, and have become close as a family. We have found out who our true friends are, and hold them very close to our hearts. This world is what you make it. It is all in your attitude. So although I pray for health, and a better year, I am wise enough to know that whatever gets tossed our way we will handle, and work through it together as a team. Together people can move mountains. They can conquer obstacles. Even cancer.

  

So as I raise my glass of eggnog I say this. Goodbye 2012. You have taught me many lessons. You have proved to me that I am stronger than I thought I was. You also taught me that life is hard, but it is good if you have good people in it. Dusting off our pants. Counting our blessings, and wishing you and yours a very HAPPY New Year! ((You also taught me just hours ago that when walking down the stairs you should hold on the the rail, or have ice packs on hand. . )) We hope to celebrate many more birthdays, enjoy love from our animals, and maybe convince my dad to run another 5k!

Welcome 2013. Please be good, to all those good. Be gentle in your teachings and remember we all love tender mercies. HAPPY NEW YEAR!